Does quality beget snobbery?

[ywenz]

Wait...

Isn't one of the benefits of open discourse and debate about building consensus?

No, it's to understand the other side.

 

[RJBender]

The worst kinds of snob are those that act humble. The kind that have a self-righteous smugness in their superior use of inferior equipment. A Leica snob may be rude, arrogant, and impolite but at least you'll know it up front.

Maybe I don't understand what you're saying, Nick. If someone can produce saleable art with a $10 plastic camera, I think they have a right to be proud of their accomplishment. They could be smug about it and it wouldn't bother me.

R.J.

 

[RJBender]

It makes one superior in the wealth department.

If you paid for the bling with plastic it's not real wealth.... unless the bling appreciates faster than the interest rate on your card.

R.J.

 

[RJBender]

The worst kinds of snob are those that act humble. The kind that have a self-righteous smugness in their superior use of inferior equipment. A Leica snob may be rude, arrogant, and impolite but at least you'll know it up front.

Many years ago, much of that high end gear was marketed using snob appeal.

R.J.

 

[RJBender]

And the Mercedes won't get you there any faster than the Toyota. (or for that matter, the Yugo.)

That depends on the speed limit.

R.J.

 

[RJBender]

Little people? Petty Lives?

Wow.

I think Finder forgot to insert a smiley into his post. 🙂

R.J.

 

[Fedzilla_Bob]

YEAh, after re-reading I could see a faint trace of it 😉

The reactionary in me hasn't had enough caffiene today.

 

[Jocko]

I am a Connoisseur.
You are Finicky.
They are Snobs.

Thankyou!

 

[RJBender]

To be a snob is essentially to be intolerant, and you can find it all over the wealth/intelligence spectrum. A guy who shoots a Brownie when he could afford a Nikon, not because he likes the photos but to demonstrate his solidarity with the working class, is a snob. A guy who figures out that a Toyota is better than a Benz on a price/quality scale, and better than a Yugo on a on a safety/quality scale, and so buys a Toyota, is not being a snob, he's using his brain. Using your brain does not qualiy you as a snob; although some smart people are snobs. In my opinion, there are quite a few film snobs on this forum -- people who are simply intolerant of digital, and won't hear arguments for it. But it's a minor form of snobbery, and tweaking the film snobs is a minor, but enjoyable, sport.

It depends on how his subjects react to his camera. Some people might resent the photographer because they would need a whole year's wages to purchase a Nikon camera. Some may insist on being paid for every photograph.

Does anyone know why Picasso used a Fed 2A?
http://www.artzites.com/camera1.htm

R.J.

 

[visiondr]

No snobbery here, just unbridled enthusiasm. I find when I've discovered something of high quality that works for me, I just want to tell people about it... evangelize, so to speak.

 

[Jocko]

Does anyone know why Picasso used a Fed 2A?
http://www.artzites.com/camera1.htm

R.J.

I think it was essentially to demonstrate solidarity with the USSR - a political gesture (I believe I read somewhere that the FED was a gift from some communist organisation). One can imagine that he might have felt reluctant to use a Leica (perhaps the obvious choice) given Guernica et al, although there are plenty of photos which show him using other people's....

Cheers, Ian

 

[RJBender]

I am a snob, I look down at the ZI because I'm a Leica owner... 🙁

Yang, what is your opinion about people who tape over the red Leica dot and Leica insignia ? Cool or uncool? 🙂


R.J.

 

[back alley]

I am a snob, I look down at the ZI because I'm a Leica owner... 🙁

i am a leica owner.

i m a zeiss ikon owner.

wonder what i am...

 

[Fedzilla_Bob]

Lucky? 🙂

Bob H

 

[steve garza]

Why do these types of threads get the most replies as opposed to technical questions about photography? I find it interesting that there appears to be so much insecurity in the choice of equipment. Am I supposed to be embarassed about the fact that I own fine cameras? Since I'm using and learning with them, I think not. I say use the best you can afford, whatever it may be. The only real problem is the onset of GAS and the fact that some people get too wrapped in the equipment rather than the craft and art of this medium. As long as we remember it's the image that matters most, we're doing just fine. There are a few "cheap" I'd like to own due to their unique signatures. I read threads from "snobbish" types who eschew the Leica because they can get performance almost as good from less expensive equipment. They extol their photographic abilities, and while they may be technically competent, I often question the artistic value of their efforts. I appreciate fine craftmanship. I like researching the items and finally, I enjoy using my overpriced equipment despite my level of ability. What other people think about it is their own business, not mine.

 

[RJBender]

i am a leica owner.

i m a zeiss ikon owner.

wonder what i am...

If you could only take one on a trip, which one would it be?

R.J.

 

[back alley]

the zi.

it's new, less chance of a breakdown and it has a built in meter so one thing less to carry.

 

[steve garza]

yeah....

yeah....

That depends on the speed limit.

R.J.

but the Mercedes is a much better ride......If you can afford it, why not!!!

 

[doubs43]

i am a leica owner.

i m a zeiss ikon owner.

wonder what i am...

Well, Joe, it could be that you're a guy on an unending quest for the perfect lens! Maybe the perfect outfit? I don't think you've found it yet! 😀

Walker

 

[doubs43]

Snobbery is often the self-dilusional idea that others really care what you think. If you own a Leica and sneer at my Pentax, I don't really mind. If you own a Nikon and sneer at my Leica, I still don't care. You can sneer at my Prakticas too and I assure you I don't mind whatsoever.

BUT......... sneer at my mixed-breed dog and you'll have a problem! 😉

Walker